How is your business helping to solve the health, social, or economic challenges created by COVID19?
As COVID-19 spreads to Kenya, a lack of energy security is apparent in rural hospitals that rely on good and reliable energy services to take care of patients. To ease the burden of the main hospitals designated for the isolation and treatment of COVID-19 patients, the small health facilities in rural areas will also be overwhelmed by managing even other non-COVID patients. If these rural health facilities and local communities don't have access to power, this could magnify the human catastrophe and significantly slow the global recovery. Our business is fast-tracking reliable energy access for healthcare facilities and frontline health workers in the rural areas of Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties where we currently have operations. We plan to quickly deploy PAYGO solar home systems (with more than 3 bulbs and some with potential to power laptops managing the health management system and data sharing) that are cost-effective to underserved and rural health facilities that they can pay with small instalments over a period to fully own them. Our network of VSE's will leverage their local intelligence to distribute the solar home systems, therefore, promoting convenience.
Does your business contribute most to recovery, response, or resilience?
Resilience - we're improving the broader infrastructure for responding to pandemic outbreaks.,Recovery - we're positioned to support in the recovery of those directly affected.
What is the stage of your product development?
I have a market ready product/service. I have sold to customers.
What strengths does your team bring? Include skills and personal experience with the problem.
David Wanjau the founder and Managing Director of DGE is an adept entrepreneur with 9+ years’ experience in business development and building Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP) last-mile distribution models. Fredrick Kiprop, DGE’s Finance Manager, with MBA in accounting and is a CPA(K) holder and has over 12+ years of experience managing accounting and financial operations, financial analysis, forecasting, risk management, leadership and supervision. Mercy Mwirigi, DGE’s Sales and Operation Manager, has more than 5 years’ experience in promotion work at the bottom of the Pyramid. She is experienced in recruiting and training sales agents for distributing solar products to the rural off-grid areas. She has successfully trained 150+ sales agents contributing to the success of DGE in rural Kenya.Regina Wanjiru, DGE’s Accountant and Administrator, has 3+ years’ experience managing our accounts and admin work, holds CPA section 5.Hannah Kirubi, DGE’s Business Development Executive, has 3+ years of experience in BOP program design, management and community resource management.
What countries do you operate in?
Kenya
Is your company headquartered in a US "Opportunity Zone"?
Yes
